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Mossgiel May 11th 1860.
My own dear Hannah,
Our sweet little pet Lulu has been with us for the last ten days, words cannot tell you how we love her, nor how happy we are to have her here. She is still our little "Poolie"--looks very much as she did when a baby. Lulu is everything mentally & morally we could desire, physically she might be much improved. She has not had enough outdoor exercise, nor is she as much disposed to take it as we would like to see her, but if you & the Dr could make the sacrafice [sic], let her stay here and play with Grace this summer[.] we know it would do her good, the time I know will seem long that keeps your precious child from you, but the danger of taking her home, is, that when there, you might be tempted, might think it necessary--for her to sit down and assist you in your sewing--whereas I or, rather the children, will not allow her to sit a moment longer than will be necessary for rest. Robert found her complaining of headache every day in Charleston, she has not had it on

Copyright protected by Mississippi State University Libraries. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Mossgiel May 11th 1860.
My own dear Hannah,
Our sweet little pet Lulu has been with us for the last ten days, words cannot tell you how we love her, nor how happy we are to have her here. She is still our little "Poolie"--looks very much as she did when a baby. Lulu is everything mentally & morally we could desire, physically she might be much improved. She has not had enough outdoor exercise, nor is she as much disposed to take it as we would like to see her, but if you & the Dr could make the sacrafice [sic], let her stay here and play with Grace this summer[.] we know it would do her good, the time I know will seem long that keeps your precious child from you, but the danger of taking her home, is, that when there, you might be tempted, might think it necessary--for her to sit down and assist you in your sewing--whereas I or, rather the children, will not allow her to sit a moment longer than will be necessary for rest. Robert found her complaining of headache every day in Charleston, she has not had it on
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an hour since she came here, we dont [sic] allow her to read as much as she wants to. I have just sent her & Eddie out to count how many trees have peaches on them, here they come--Lulu trying to catch Eddie--she runs well, almost as fast as I did at her age--now she is hearing Grace's reading lesson--when they are get through, I'll send them to count the apple trees. Lulu is the best reader I ever heard of her age.
You need'nt [sic] fear that I'll not teach her to sew, she darned her stockings beautifully this morning. She & Grace assist in setting the table, washing dishes--sweeping & dusting--They gathered the strawberries for dinner today--and in truth do every little thing I can find any excuse to have them do.
Grace is a great worker, great player, and a great tomboy. I'll take off Lulu hoops in a few days, and give her a fair chance at runing [sic] & climbing trees, she has'nt [sic] much appetite--but it will improve, indeed has already improved, I rather suspect she has been eating too much candy--too many sweet things, she'll get none of it here. Mary & Lulu & Alfred went to the village to a May party last thursday [sic] night, and enjoyed it wonderfully.
I will ask Lulu to tell you about it. Alfred & Mary left us today--we have enjoyed their visit very much, and were sorry to give them up.
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They went from here to Ashville, as the time for the examination has been changed from June to May 14, 15, & 16th. Robert has just come in, and Lulu has mounted his pony--on his saddle, and is riding about in the yard, I am glad to see that she rides so well. Lulu loves you very devotedly--she can scarcely speak of you without crying, and she thinks Mamy & Luddy & sissy just the sweetest children that ever were. She has told me all about the dear old home, from cellar to garret, in doors & out garden & orchard. You dont [sic] know how I love to have the dear child talk to me, her voice & manner are so sweet--a little affected--but she will outgrow it, and her language is remarkable for a child, she thinks she has no musical talent, I shall require her to practice two hours a day after a while--have'nt [sic] heard her sing yet. I fear her voice will be rather weak. The dear child has been very impatient for me to write to you--would have written herself last week--but I told her to wait a few days. I beg that you & the Dr will try to feel reconciled to her staying along long time with us. You know we'll take good care of her, and love her even as much as her own pure loving heart could desire. She wishes to add a postscript. All join me in love & kisses to you & Jonas. Do let us hear from some of you often--and we promise to write as often as possible.
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[added later: "Martha Louisa Starr / age -13-"]
Darling Mama
I am really at Fair-Forest with dear aunt Mat, where I have so often wished to be. How much it would add to our pleasure to have you with us. I left dear Uncle George and Aunt Martha in Charleston a little more than a week ago[.] You do not know how sorry I felt to part with them for they have been very kind to your little "Yeo." I have wished very often that you could visit them for I know you would enjoy yourself very much. ________________________ What a beautiful bright morning this is. I am sitting in Uncle Robert's library writing to you while there is a little bird perched on a tree near the window singing so sweetly. There is not a cloud on the sky, and the air is filled with the perfume of the honeysuckle and other sweet flowers. O, how happy I would be, if I could see the dear ones at home this morning. The children have just finished their lessons and are out at play. Grace and I had such a nice ride yesterday afternoon. We rode up to Dr Peak's and down to the field. (not down to the river side). Mrs. De Gage is staying with aunt Mat now. She left her little daughter Kattie in Columbia going to school. Give my best love to Darling Papa, & all the children. Your own
Lulu

Copyright protected by Mississippi State University Libraries. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Mossgiel May 11th 1860.
My own dear Hannah,
Our sweet little pet Lulu has been with us for the last ten days, words cannot tell you how we love her, nor how happy we are to have her here. She is still our little "Poolie"--looks very much as she did when a baby. Lulu is everything mentally & morally we could desire, physically she might be much improved. She has not had enough outdoor exercise, nor is she as much disposed to take it as we would like to see her, but if you & the Dr could make the sacrafice [sic], let her stay here and play with Grace this summer[.] we know it would do her good, the time I know will seem long that keeps your precious child from you, but the danger of taking her home, is, that when there, you might be tempted, might think it necessary--for her to sit down and assist you in your sewing--whereas I or, rather the children, will not allow her to sit a moment longer than will be necessary for rest. Robert found her complaining of headache every day in Charleston, she has not had it on